However, it can be tricky to know if you are buying from a legitimate business.
Before you buy from an online pharmacy, you’ll want to find out whether it’s properly licensed.
Potential Dangers
There are a number ofpotential problemswith online pharmacies.
Jamie Grill / Getty Images
While there are laws to protect consumers, those laws have limitations.
Even with laws in place, a dishonest business may work hard to get around the rules.
Therefore, little can be done if consumers receive counterfeit drugs or are victims of a scam.
box address can be a sign that the pharmacy is not actually located where the name implies.
The criteria for these resources often overlap and can be used together to help you verify an online pharmacy.
The majority of online pharmacies arerejectedby these organizations.
NABP
In the U.S., pharmacists and pharmacies are licensed by state boards.
The NABP offers a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) accredidation program for online pharmacies.
A certified company will have the VIPPS seal on its website.
Having and maintaining an approved .pharmacy domain is required for pharmacies seeking VIPPS accreditation.
Non-U.S. pharmacies may, however, apply to the .pharmacy program.
Canadian Pharmacies
Americans may choose to order medications from Canada where they are often cheaper.
Many pharmacies are approved by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA).
Consumer Reports.Looking for cheaper meds from Canada?
Gabay M.Regulation of internet pharmacies: A continuing challenge.Hosp Pharm.
2015;50(8):681682. doi:10.1310/hpj5008-681
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Imported drugs raise safety concerns.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.How to buy medicines safely from an online pharmacy.
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.Digital pharmacy accreditation.
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.Program eligibility and policies.
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.Buy safely.
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.Internet drug outlet identification program progress report for state and federal regulators.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Know your online pharmacy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Is it legal for me to personally import drugs?
CIPARx.CIPA certified safe online pharmacies.
PharmacyChecker.com.Verification program accreditation standards and guide.
